WASHINGTON – Today, The National Wildlife Federation concluded its second annual EcoCareers Conference, a virtual two day conference for college students and recent graduates to gain insights into careers in wildlife, sustainability, and the clean economy.

Graduates with sustainability career skills are in increasing demand in all fields and are also creating new businesses. In a 2016 survey conducted by MIT Sloan, 90% of investors surveyed indicated that sustainability strategies had become central to staying competitive. Research like this shows that good jobs really are “going green.”

Conference attendees heard remarks by speakers like TV host, Producer, and Author, Philippe Cousteau, National Wildlife Federation President and CEO, Collin O’Mara, and President and Co-Founder of Generate Capital, Jigar Shah. Through presentations on the latest EcoCareer trends from leading analysts and employers, attendees were able to grow their understanding of modern day challenges for wildlife, people and the environment, as well as learn about the greatest opportunities for graduates to make the most of their careers.

“Today, almost every job intersects with the environment in some way,” explained Philippe Cousteau. “I’m very excited to work with another organization that makes it their mission to provide resources and tools to help young people gain the experience, certifications and the knowledge to craft their own sustainable career pathways. Bringing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers to life is crucial for the future of wildlife.”

Another way NWF supports students on their way to finding green careers is through the EcoLeaders initiative, an outstanding program available to college students and young professionals looking to step into the environmental field. Guided by a project-based leadership model participants earn certification for their demonstrated leadership skills while sharing and networking with participants around the country and world in the online community. The program also boasts the EcoLeader Career and Leadership Development Center which offers tools to help along the way, such as, articles on trends in eco-jobs, top sites for resume building, and best practices in interviewing and networking.

The National Wildlife Federation knows that increasing interest and opportunity for young professionals in the environmental field is more urgent now than ever before.  This is no narrow under-taking and involves sustainability skills across all fields to eliminate carbon pollution and waste, green the supply chain, and create a future where wildlife can thrive. Through conferences like Eco-Careers, we are finding more ways to inspire young professionals and build the wildlife workforce of the future.

Highlights of EcoCareers 2018 Keynotes:

“We need to build the skilled workforce for wildlife across all academic fields. Take care of wildlife and wildlife will take care of all of us.” - Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of National Wildlife Federation.

“This is by far the greenest conference I’ve ever participated in.”  - Rue Mapp, Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, and opening keynote for EcoCareers 2018.

“The key to entrepreneurism in the clean infrastructure space is to be your own harshest critic while also being your biggest champion.” - Jigar Shah, President and Co-Founder, Generate Capital, Thursday’s opening keynote

“Career and Technical Education that is greener and emphasizes sustainability will employ millions in an economy marching rapidly toward alternative energy, cleaner transportation, efficient housing, community resiliency and more.  It also makes good paying jobs accessible to all parts of American society.”  - Kevin Coyle, Vice President, Education & Training, NWF

“I like to think of your career as a boat and you are the captain. Make sure you are driving it. And don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself for a green career.” - Lisa Yee Litzenberg, Founder and President and CEO of Green Career Advisor